Tony Rougier is backing former Reading team-mate Darius Henderson to be a success with Albion after rejecting a chance to rejoin the Seagulls.

Rougier made a big impact during a loan spell at Withdean towards the end of last season.

He is confident Henderson will follow suit in his month on loan from the Madejski Stadium.

"Darius is an up and coming player," said Rougier. "He is learning his trade and as long as he keeps an open mind to do that he should do very well at Brighton.

"He's a very typical centre forward, with a good left foot, and he's a brave finisher.

"I believe he is working with one of the best managers in the League in Steve Coppell. If anyone can help his game Steve Coppell can."

Henderson marked his debut by slotting Albion's first goal of the season from the penalty spot in Saturday's opening 3-1 victory at Oldham.

"As a young player it may take time for him to impress people, so it was good for him to score on his debut," Rougier said. "I've never seen him take a penalty, but that was a good way of building his confidence.

"The first thing to do when you are on loan is to have a good rapport with the players.

"Darius needs to get an understanding with the Brighton players and by that I don't mean just on the pitch."

Henderson would probably not be with Albion now if Rougier, released by Reading at the end of last season, had accepted an offer to re-sign.

The Trinidad and Tobago international, 32 last month, revealed: "There were talks about two weeks ago between my agent and Steve Coppell.

"They made me an offer but there was no way I could accept it.

"If I was a single man living alone I probably would be playing for them but I'm not, I have a family.

"The season is still young. I have not signed for anyone yet. I am still having talks with people but I pray Brighton change their minds and I can play there again."

Henderson was unavailable for Albion's Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

Reading want him to be able to play for them in the competition, which suggests the Doncaster-born prospect still has a future with the Royals.

Henderson, 22 next month, moved to the Madejski Stadium as a trainee four years ago.

"I was at Leeds from the age of 11 to 16 and unfortunately was released at that age," he said. "I got a phone call from Kevin Dillon, who was Reading's youth team manager at the time and is now assistant manager.

"He sold the club well to me. I went down for a three day trial and they offered me a contract after the first day, which I was pleased to agree.

"It wasn't a big step to me because I knew I was going to an up and coming club with good prospects and I was quietly confident I was going to be looked after there. I have never looked back since."

Henderson has hit 11 goals in 70 League games for Reading, but the vast majority of those appearances have been as a substitute.

He was loaned out to Albion after Alan Pardew bought Shaun Goater from Manchester City for £500,000.

"It's very frustrating," said Henderson. "I thought I did well enough to maybe get a start against Ipswich last Saturday but with Shaun Goater coming in now I've got to respect what the gaffer feels is right for the team.

"He has kept his word by letting me go on loan if he brought someone else in. I've just got to look forward to playing for Brighton.

"I'd like to do well and hopefully Brighton do well and I get some goals."

Walsall, Colchester and Brentford were all interested in Henderson but Coppell's reputation, plus recommendations from Rougier and Reading's ex-Seagull Steve Sidwell, made up his mind.

"I spoke to a couple of other clubs but I've been told a lot about Steve Coppell.

"Just having his name put towards me meant I was very interested in coming here and playing under him. I spoke to Steve Sidwell who was here not long ago. He told me the gaffer is very enthusiastic and I like that. Hopefully I can learn a lot from my short period here.

"Anthony Rougier spoke very highly of him as well after he came back and of the lads and staff. He also said the fans are fantastic, very supportive."

Henderson should find that out for himself at Withdean next Monday, when he is expected to make his home debut against QPR.

He will be reunited with free-scoring fellow loan signing Leon Knight from Chelsea.

Coppell said: "I'd love to sign both players permanently but I don't think that is an option at this stage."